Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Losing the Baby Weight

I have struggled with writing this post- started writing it a million times in my head but couldn’t commit it to the blog. I think it’s because I haven’t reached my “goal” yet, but I decided instead that it might be worthwhile to talk about the process and celebrate my progress, even if I’m still not completely back to my pre-pregnancy body. And I’m not sure I ever will be since things like wider hips just might be here to stay. Really, I’m okay with that since I’m pretty small-framed, it’s nice to have some curves!

Let’s start at the beginning.

All my life I’ve been in pretty good shape, but I didn’t start working out until college. I liked the way lifting weights helped turn my skinny body into a stronger, more muscular shape. In the six months before I got pregnant, I was working out with a trainer a couple times a week, doing a couple days of cardio, and eating pretty clean.

My goal was to get in bikini shape for my sister-in-law’s wedding in Vegas that June. I also colored my hair dark brown! This pic was taken in Vegas at the Bachelorette party. I’m about 5’1 and weigh about 106 pounds here.

I also got pregnant that month! Here I am about two weeks pregnant. And morning sickness was starting to kick in.

At the VERY beginning, I liked the changes to my body during pregnancy, i.e. bigger boobs!! ;) But, then, for the first trimester of my pregnancy, I was exhausted. I barely made it home from work without falling asleep. I had no energy. I stopped working out completely. I gained weight- fast. I remember one of my early prenatal visits and when the nurse lifted up my shirt to examine me, she kinda laughed and said, “you’re already wearing maternity jeans?” Yes, ma’am- my regular pants already didn’t fit.

I started eating whatever I wanted. And what I wanted wasn’t healthy. Things like ice cream and calorie rich Mexican dishes. And even in the 2nd trimester when my energy returned, I still didn’t work out. I didn’t work out my entire pregnancy. I was so miserable, even though I was relatively healthy, but putting so much weight on my small frame was hard on me. I’ll spare you the gory details.

Fast forward to Christmas. I remember that all I felt comfortable in was sweatpants- the thin kind you can almost sleep in. And I still had 3 months to go! At work, I was miserable - waddling to court and mediations, sweating, and pretty much wearing flip flops daily because my feet wouldn’t fit into regular shoes.

Yet, don’t let that stop me from eating the CHEESECAKE!

Oh, notice the Wii Fit sitting next to me? I asked my brother for that for Christmas, thinking I could start using it at home during that last trimester. You guessed it- it’s NEVER been opened!

Mid February- still 6 weeks to go! Didn’t think I could get any bigger? Ha! Here I am standing on our home’s foundation, wishing the house would hurry and get finished so we could move in!

And here I am at the very END of my pregnancy, and after gaining about 55 pounds! My poor swollen face and hands!

Ahhhh, welcoming the arrival of the baby!! After James was born in March 2010, I was so looking forward to losing weight so that I could feel like myself again. I was just so uncomfortable during my pregnancy!!

Within one week, I lost 20 pounds. James was 7.5 of those:) Another week later, I had lost 5 more pounds- that’s 25 down, and only 25 to go!

Even with 25 pounds lost, I was somewhat horrified to discover that, at this point, I still looked pregnant. (But I’m happy to be standing in my future closet!)

I read this book during my pregnancy, “The Girlfriends Guide to Pregnancy”, that said regarding the weight loss, “nine months up, nine months down.” But I didn’t want to believe that. Not me, I thought smugly. I’ll be back in 6 months!

WRONG!

One month after James’ birth, I went back to working out with my trainer (about once a week). I also began really watching what I ate.

To achieve the body I’d really love to have, I’d have to eat something like this:
• 6:00 a.m. Half a cup of oatmeal and five egg whites with chopped bell peppers and onions.
• 9:00 a.m. Turkey meatloaf and one rice cake with two tablespoons of cinnamon cottage cheese on top.
• 12:00 p.m. Five ounces of stir-fried chicken with half a cup of brown rice and steamed veggies.”
• 3:00 p.m. Two corn tortillas topped with black beans, pepper, onions and five ounces of grilled chicken.
• 6:00 p.m. Turkey meatloaf with a four-ounce sweet potato and one cup of steamed broccoli.
• 9:00 p.m. Six boiled egg whites, cut in half and stuffed with water-packed canned tuna (mixed with celery, onions, mustard and spices). Plus, one toffuti pop.

**********

But since I’m not trying to get that muscular, or that lean, I eat a modified version that looks more like this:

Obviously, this is not consistent. Sometimes I eat better than others, but I am good at eating small portions and stopping when I get full.
By Mother’s day, 2 months later, I was starting to feel pretty good, but still had a belly and don’t remember what I weighed.

May 2010

June 2010

October 2011

By this time, (7 months), I had lost 40 pounds (Yay!), but with only 15 pounds to go, I kinda lost steam. Then came the holidays and the toffee and I hit the wall. I stopped working out with the trainer and just enjoyed all the food that goes with the holidays, probably adding on about 5 pounds.

November 2010

We bought a running stroller, but I only used it a couple of times.

January 2011

With two months til James turned one, I was really hoping to lose those last 10 pounds. But although my weight was coming down, I really needed to tone up. My arms were actually pretty strong (I think from lifting a carrying a 20 pound baby around)! I started back up with the trainer (still only once or twice a week) and she stressed that I really needed to be doing my cardio and start eating more often (I’d gotten into a habit of eating only breakfast, a light lunch, having a Starbucks in the afternoon and then a not-so-great dinner).

So I started jogging again. And eating better.

And now, I jog with James in the running stroller a few times a week. James usually falls asleep and I love the workout and the clarity and peace of mind I get after a run.

I love being outside and we’re fortunate to have a park with a 3-mile track nearby.

Last weekend, we went to the beach. I wore a bikini and didn’t feel embarrassed. I still am not down to my pre-pregnancy weight- 5 pounds to go, but I’m honestly not concerned with that. I’m more focused now on gaining muscle, and increasing my cardio.

My brunette hair has been properly dyed back to blond, has grown and been getting regularly cut by my new stylist, and I finally feel like myself again (and my son is almost 14 months old now!) So 9 months up and 9 months down would’ve been great, but it’s taken me a bit longer.

I shared my story because I know that when I was pregnant, I was really interested in what was going to happen to my body during and after pregnancy. I would like to be able to say I was all glowy and never felt more beautiful, but for me, the exact opposite was true! Maybe I’m not that evolved or self-actualized or whatever.

We want to have another baby in the future, so hopefully, I will do pregnancy a little better next time- so that I feel better and enjoy it more! I would love to hear from you and what worked for you, what didn’t, how you felt about being pregnant, and any other tips you might want to share.

UPDATE: As of May 2015, I'm training for my 2nd NPC Bikini Competition. You can follow along on my recent posts here:

150 comments:

I found that running was what really helped me lose the baby weight as well. I definitely never got back to how I was pre-pregnancy, but with a baby you get a new sense of "normal" I've found. You look great though!

Wow, thanks for sharing all this in such honest detail. I haven't had kids yet, but as I'm working on my 30's now I'm noticing it's harder to stay as skinny as I was in my 20's, and fear what could happen with a pregnancy. My boyfriend has been reading some nutrition and diet books (he's very into the science behind it) and as a result we've been doing more of a super-low-carb diet, with a focus on lean proteins, beans, and lots of veggies, and it's helped me lose those 5# that the last year gave me.

FYI, at Blissdom when I met you I was actually envious of how thin and in shape you seemed to be. Go figure. :)

Even though I'm single with no children, I adored this post. So real!! I am sure you really touched the hearts and minds of other new mom's out there. I'll be sure to share this with my friends who are new moms and save it for myself when my dream comes true of having a child of my own! You look FABULOUS!

Wow, thank you so much for sharing your story! As someone who is thinking about getting pregnant in the next year, I found your honesty so refreshing and good to hear. And you look AWESOME, by the way! Never looked better if you ask me! :)

Love this post! Thank you for sharing! My son is 7 months and I'm finally seeing glimpses of my old body, but it's nice to know it took others some time to get back too. You've motivated me to start jogging again. You look fabulous!

I don't have children, and as jane @ The Borrowed Abode said, I'm entering the 30's soon as well and am noticing that it's getting harder to naturally loose a few pounds here and there. You are a true motivator; I hope to look as healthy and fit as you do whenever I decide to have a child! Heck, it would be nice to look like that now :-)

Great post Megan! Oh and just thought you might like to know that no one's hips go back to pre-pregnancy size. Once your pelvic bones soften and spread outward during delivery, they don't normally return to the full upright position. It is just a medical fact. I learned that in anatomy 101 ;-).

Brave post girlfriend! And, I know it will help so many. I know some see you now and think, "wow, Megan is drop dead gorgeous...she could never have been heavy". You're human! Everyone's pregnancy experience is just as unique as the child it produces! I have two (now 17 and 21), with the 1st, gained the "normal prego weight" and lost it quickly. The 2nd not so much. Gained more, bigger baby (9 lb, 13 oz). My body was not the same after either however. Hips do spread with each!! I am now in my 40s and experiencing all the changes that go with this new phase. While I am not extremely pleased with my weight, I am not considered "heavy". The one thing I have really tried to tell myself over the years is..."no regrets, love the body you have, you have two beautiful girls who are a part of who you have become." To say I hate my body now, would to me be like saying, "THEY ruined my figure". And, I've also learned that how I feel about myself is picked up by them very quickly. I want both to have healthy body images. I applaud you for posting about a subject most don't like to talk about.

First off, you look ah-maz-ing! Thanks for letting us in on this personal bit of your life, and thanks for being so honest. As frustrating as it is, I'm glad to know others share the same struggles... My last 13 pounds just will not budge. Thanks for motivating me.

Megan: I get it now. I get why so many people follow you and love and adore you so much. This post was bold, vulnerable, and so honest. I have never met you but I feel like I know so much about you from reading your blog. This post is great. You have come a long way and let me say - you look amazing! I see your six pack lady!!! Keep up the great work! I may run into one day at the park :) xoxo-linh

Thank you for sharing such an honest story. I have never been pregnant, but hope to be in the next year or so, so it's great to read such an inspiring post. You look great and I love your blog. Keep up the great work!

So funny about that book! My friends and I have passed that book around. We've each read and signed it and wrote a little something in it and then passed it on to the next preggo girlfriend! For me I never quite got back to my pre-preggo weight- I was within 5 lbs and then got pregnant with my second. I've learned to accept it though because I really love to eat - HA! Anyhow, I've found a workout called PureBarre that has done great things for my body and is really fun! Thanks for writing this - you look GREAT!

Love this post. I’m currently pregnant and went from working out 4-5 times a week to completely nothing after the nausea kicked in. I was a fit 117 to now 170 and due any day. My fear is to not lose my weight… your post gives confidence and hope! You look great!

GREAT post! Thank you for sharing your story!! I tried so hard to work out and eat healthy for baby #2, but by month 8, all went to hell and I ended up gaining the same amount (47lbs) as baby #1. Now, she is 4months old and I must get my act together...swimsuit season is right around the corner! You look AWESOME!!!!

Oh, my sweet Megan! Wonderful post. Good for you. I am so proud of you. You look beautiful in every single one of those photos, but I am happy to hear that you feel really good now. I can honestly say that it was very sad for me not to LOVE being pregnant. I was horribly sick both times and never felt that blissful, "Look at me, I am pregnant" feel. So blessed to have my two, but I can relate. Proud of you girl.

Awesome story! I also gained 50 pounds while pregnant, and was TOTALLY MISERABLE!! My baby will be two in June and I still have 10 pounds to lose to get back to pre-preg weight (and another 10 after that would be fantastic). I joined a gym last week and am already realizing it's going to take a lot of work on my part. You've definitely inspired me!

Megan, SO great to hear your experience! This is such a hard topic to discuss... I still have 10lbs. to go and my daughter is 22 months! So, I have been doing a twice weekly exercise class and your post has motivated me to add one more day to that routine! Great job! I am very impressed. xo, Courtney

Lookin' good, girl! I'm impressed with those abs. I definitely struggled more to lose the weight the first time. With Reid the 9 month mark was right on the money. Also, I think my expectations were different. My hips are still wider than they were almost 4 years ago but my jeans fit better because of it. No more gap in the back! I think it was easier not to gain so much with him also because I was chasing a two year old at the time. I had to remind myself to eat and I'm a total foodie! Still working on the abs but those are always a work in progress...

Oh Meagan, I'd hate you if I didn't admire you so much. LOL You should be so proud of yourself girl, you look amazing. I wouldn't beat myself up over the timeline too much if I were you...it's been 15 years since my last baby and I'm still not anywhere near where I should be. You should have seen the look on my trainers face at the gym when I told her I was trying to lose my "baby weight"...from 15 years ago! :0

Thanks for sharing your story Megan! I think so many of us moms feel the same way but never share our story. You look amazing and are an inspiration. My body will never be the same pre babies but it was so worth it. Do you hear that love handles? :)

First I want to say you look great! I had my second around the same time you had your little guy and I wish I looked that good! I was 5 lbs away from my pre-pregnancy weight with baby #1 when I found out I was pregnant with #2. I gained another 45 lbs that pregnancy and it took me 13 months to lose that. I am now still up that first 5 pounds, but my body looks nothing like it did before I had kids... it is softer and rounder. I've never been one to work out, but have realized that if I want to look and feel better about myself then I need to start doing more for me too.Thank you so much for being so honest and sharing your story with us!

you look amazing!!! Hopefully the next time around you'll enjoy being pregnant more - I never have been but have had friends who LOVED being pregnant! also, small world but I run at Memorial Park as well!!! If I happen to see a blonde running with a stroller I may or may not yell "Honey We're Home" at you! haha :)

This is the second pregnancy weight post I've read today! Which is hilarious timing seeing as I went and bought some non-maternity jeans today... AWESOME feeling! Now to wait for cooler weather to wear them...Yep, with my first I put on over 20kg (44lb)... I stopped counting at 20! I ate pretty badly - whatever I felt like when I felt like it, really. Managed to lose all but 5kg (10.4lb) before getting pregnant with my second when he was 7mths old. This time around I ate much more carefully, aware of how hard it is to get it off afterwards! And it worked - I only put on 10kg (22lb)!! And given that I lost about half of that in a week, by 3wks, it was all gone. Hence being able to buy normal jeans so soon (she's a month old tomorrow). Sometimes we just have to learn things the hard way *sigh*

You look amazingly fabulous. I am so lazy when it comes to exercising and have been gaining a lot of weight lately since giving birth to my son. This post is a good motivator for me to exercise and take good care of myself!

You look amazing. :D I love your blog and this post. My son turns 3months on Sunday. I am trying to loose weight. I was 176 and I ended up being 230 when I went into labor. A Lot of it was water weight. But being as I used to model professionally and I was a size 4 was my average I hate being this big. This blog helps me to stick with it. Especially with that last one gosh your abs are WOW! So can you tell me what exactly you do? to tone and lose, other than running. As well as I can't run bc I "leak" I do kegals but if I jump or anything like that I have issues... what helps with this? Ideas? Thanks!!

I gained 55 lbs during pregnancy. Pre-pregnancy I was a size 4/6. Post pregnancy? 8/10 and couldn't shake it for almost 2 years. I ate like a mad woman while pregnant and didn't think I would have a hard time losing the weight! Ha! Well, 7 years later, here we are pregnant again, but this time, I'm watching what I eat and trying to walk / be active because I am not gaining that much weight again! Trying my hardest to be a good mommy and good girl!Thanks for this post. Everyone always seems to talk about how wonderful they felt while pregnant - I felt like a big cow. It was a good feeling to know I wasn't the only one who was desperate to feel like themselves again!

Thanks for this post! I'm new to your blog (up at 3:30 a.m. with pregnancy insomnia!) and am due in a few weeks. I've gained 30 pounds and have the same "didn't work out until college" story and have started stressing on how I'll lose the weight. The 9 up and 9 down is a good measuring stick and I appreciate your honesty with what it took to get you motivated. Thanks!

Way to go for sharing this post!!!! I felt the exact same way, I gained 65 lbs while pregnant and I have lost it all but aout 5 lbs still (my little boy is 2!!!!!) It is hard!!

You did looke beautiful pregnant though, but I know how hard it is to look at your body and the changes it go through, but it is so worth it :)You look awesome now too!! Go girl!! Your a beautiful mama!!

I'm a mother of three, and as you've discovered, your body doesn't go back to "normal", but rather a "new normal" after having babies. I gained around 30-35 pounds with each pregnancy, and it was always a struggle to get back to where I started. Running definitely helped me get there, and I started running about 10 years ago after the birth of my second son.

Like you, I was not a "happy glowy" pregnant woman, and really didn't like not having "control" over my body! Although when I had my third (my daughter), it was probably my best pregnancy since I craved healthy things (I could eat pints and pints of strawberries!). I did workout throughout the pregnancies, which helped keep me a little bit sane, and made it easier to get back to it after baby.

I think with you being 5'1", that might have contributed to feeling so uncomfortable too! There's not a lot of room in there! Those tall women have it made in that sense. ;-)

You look great. I'm going to print out your post for some inspiration! I'm pregnant with my 3rd and hope to get back in shape quickly, having 3 kids will probably help keep me busy, but I will need to eat better for sure. Thanks for posting this!

Thanks so much for this post! My daughter is 20 months and while I have lost the actual lbs on the scale, I am just not fit and toned like I used to be. I really need to work on this in the next few months as we are considering baby #2.

The first meal plan you posted... was that recommended from your trainer? Is it just a high protein plan? I am always hungry and that seems to offer lots of food!! Ha!

Thanks for sharing your story. You are beautiful at any weight! However, Congratulations on getting close to your goal weight!!!I am at a point of only having my last 10 lbs to loose. Although my kids are older. I gained it after the kids we born and I focused on them and everyone around me. Your very encouraging to all! Thanks!

It is so refreshing to hear someone real tell their story, because as a pregnant mommy at the moment, it is nice to have some reality and perspective. I have been pretty good about working out with this pregnancy, I have been blessed with feeling well, but I already know that when the baby gets here I am not going to immediately bounce back or have the time I once did to be able to work out like crazy.

Thank you for sharing a realistic view on pregnancy. I think so many of us see hollywood women that leave the hospital in their "skinny" jeans and don't understand why we can't!! As someone who is planning to get pregnant in the next year, this post was very refreshing and honest. It just goes to show you that you can get it off if you work hard and eat right...and you look amazing, no need to stress over the extra 5 pounds, I guarantee you that's muscle from carrying around baby :) !!

What an inspiring post! I recently started to eat healthier and exercise more because even though I only gained 27 lbs with my first child, she is now 2, and I still have 12 lbs to lose. With a success story like yours, I have a lot to look forward to!

Megan, first of all you're gorgeous, 9 months pregnant, brunette or blond! Second, so great for you to share this with women who are in this phase of their life. It's so wonderful to get back to feeling like yourself and feeling healthy and energetic! Kudos to you for sharing your journey.

Hi there! Your blog is a daily read for me and this post was right up my alley!!! My baby will be 1 in June and my goal as been to get back to my pre pregnancy weight by that date. I started at 135, I am 5'6"...the last weigh in before baby, 1 week before, weas 196!! That's 61lbs!!! YIKES! I was in great shape prior, great defined arms and tiny waist...well..I have gotten with in7 lbs of my goal so far...and trying so hard for the last few lbs! You post made me feel like I wasn't alone :) Sometimes I feel so selfish to be so consumed with thoughts about my weight with such a beautiful and healthy baby! You do look awesome..thank you for such an honest and inspirational post!!

Hi there! Your blog is a daily read for me and this post was right up my alley!!! My baby will be 1 in June and my goal as been to get back to my pre pregnancy weight by that date. I started at 135, I am 5'6"...the last weigh in before baby, 1 week before, weas 196!! That's 61lbs!!! YIKES! I was in great shape prior, great defined arms and tiny waist...well..I have gotten with in7 lbs of my goal so far...and trying so hard for the last few lbs! You post made me feel like I wasn't alone :) Sometimes I feel so selfish to be so consumed with thoughts about my weight with such a beautiful and healthy baby! You do look awesome..thank you for such an honest and inspirational post!!

First off, you look superb!! Thank you so much for posting such a "real life" post. As I am now just two weeks away from my due date this gives me the reassurance that the weight will come off. I have never been a super skinny girl, but have always had to work at the body I had. Much like yourself, I didn't really start working out until college. Over the past five years I started working out 5-6 days a week and started seeing definition in my muscles. Well, here I am now in my 38 week of pregnancy wondering how fast my weight is going to come off. Granted I have only gained 20 lbs so far, but it's still going to require lots of toning. Pregnancy does such a number on the woman's body, but yet it is such a beautiful thing that God created! I have found that working out throughout my entire pregnancy has helped me the most. Generally I work out 3-5 days a week. It not only makes me feel good physically, but mentally too! I would be lying if I said I ate perfectly the whole pregnancy, but I do try and stay pretty healthy with the food intake. Allow yourself some cheat days (mine are usually on weekends). Thanks again for your post!!

Bravo! Great post. I have a friend that was always very petite except during pregnancy yet she came home from the hospital in her pre-pregnancy clothes! Everyone else I know struggled with those extra pounds.

Amazing! Aside from the fact that I am completely jealous that you don't have stretch marks and can still don a bikini, I am so happy for you! It took me 15 months to lose the 65 lbs I put on! So I totally sympathize! Congrats!

Thank you for sharing your honest story. Though I don't have any kids, the thought terrifies me. You always see the women who love being pregnant, enjoy the glow, gain the 25 lbs, and lose it in a month. It's nice to see a real mom's story.

Great post Megan. After giving birth to my third child a little over one week ago, I can totally relate to your story. I just hope it'll be a little easier for me this time around as I have to keep up with my two other kids (5 & 2). Not looking forward to trying on my bikini to be honest.... You look awesome btw :)

OMG Megan! You are such a superstar! I didn't even bother trying to get back in shape between my two pregnancies. After my second I tried several diets that didn't work, but have never gotten back into a consistent exercise routine. However, I have been vegan for over a year, and gradually through the year, the pounds finally melted away! I'm now the same size that I was before my first baby... he's FIVE so it's taken A LONG TIME! But I feel great, have better skin, and more energy than ever. Yay! Thanks for writing this awesome post.

What a great post! I have a similar story. I gained 60 lbs. with my first child. I had been 5'4 and 110 lbs. pre-preggers. I was miserable during pregnancy. Post-preggers I had to work out 4 times a week and watch everything I ate. It took a year to lose the weight but I did. It was a long year before I looked like myself again. So, I can relate to you for sure. The good news is that every pregnancy is different and the second time proved that. I only gained 20lbs and lost it all by my 6 wk post appt. I hope you will find your second time around a healthier pregnancy.

Part of my morning routine is reading your daily blog post and I have to tell you how happy I was to read your post today. I am currently 7 months pregnant with my second baby and I’ve been feeling not so happy about myself. After having my son it took me just over a year to feel like myself again – due to breastfeeding for that long I didn’t feel like my body was mine until about two months after I weaned him. Now being pregnant with my second my expectations of being back to my “normal self” are more realistic than they were the first time around, but it’s still difficult to swallow. You look amazing! Reading your story and seeing how great you look remind me that there is light at the end of the tunnel.

You look great!!! Congratulations on the weight loss. I'm currently exercising & dieting. I've lost 14 lbs. 20 is my goal but I'd love 25-30. I haven't been pregnant. My weight gain came trying to get pregnant! I've never had a weight problem & I've never exercised & ate pretty much what I wanted. Fertility drugs & age changed that. Fertility drugs are the devil. The screw up your body & then when they don't work you're depressed & just don't care. Next thing I know I weigh 20 lbs. more than I've ever weighed. I've started taking a Yogalates class 3 times a week & walking. I'm also eating much more healthy! Good luck on your last little bit.

I loved this post! I am only 5'3" and genetically pre-dispositioned to weigh at least 450 pounds, I swear. I just started running training a few weeks ago. I don't have kids yet, but know they're probably coming in the next few years and I'm trying to get a headstart on healthiness waaaayyyy before being prego.

Women enjoy honesty. I gained 50 with my first too and I am an RD! I gained 40 with my second and it has taken me the whole year to lose. It is so easy for some women and not so easy for others. Thanks for sharing. How much would it cost to advertise on your blog or do a giveaway? www.biterite.blogspot.com

You look great! Thanks for posting this, there are so many things I can relate to! I am a former atty, now SAHM (I do some contract work from home), also 5'1". I remember going to court one day after gaining nearly 60 lbs and I could not get my shoes back on that I had taken off for the drive. My feet were so fat and swollen! Luckily there was a mall across the street where I was forced to purchase bigger shoes! I now have 3 beautiful daughters and have lost the baby weight with all of them except my last daughter. I still have about 10 lbs to go, but you have inspired me to go for it! I know we can do it. I also run and have competed in a bunch of marathons and 1/2 marathons, but I think it is the weight lifting that has really helped me.

I love that you posted this! I am within 2 weeks of my due date and wondering what will happen to my body after. It's great to read your story and know that it will take time and effort but that I will feel good about my body post-pregnancy. You look great - and so happy - and have such a handsome son to go along with it all! Thank you for sharing!

MEGAN! I loved this post, I’m 34 weeks pregnant with our first...this really hit home for me. I was REALLY sick my first trimester and lost 20 pounds, I have just gained that back +5. Although I have only gained 5 pounds I feel huge…and my legs now have absolutely no tone what so ever and I have “pregnant arms.” I can’t wait to get in the gym and I have already put in for a trainer. Everyone has told me that I’m always going to have a “jelly belly” now, but after seeing your abs, I now have hope! Thank you so much for this post, I really needed it today! You sure are “one hot mama”

Thanks for sharing this...I was just catching up on my fav blog reading after hitting the pregnancy fatigue wall and THIS is just what I needed. I am 3 months pregnant and am worried about gaining/not gaining the right amount of weight for the baby. This is just the motivation that I need and know that hard work and persistence can get you through it even if you really really just want Mexican for dinner. You look fabulous and are an inspiration! And I hope I can do the same.

Meg, like I told you last week I usually read your blog from the Reeder on my Iphone therefore I cant comment but for this one I had to make time on my day off and come and comment. For the records you always look super good!!! That was one of the best posts I have ever read! So honest and so detailed. I had the opposite problem. I lose all and more on my first month but once I stop bf, I cannot control my apetite and the rest is history! I love your decor posts but this mommy post was the best!!!! Xo

I think you really touched a chord with this post (obviously, wow, lots of comments!!). =) As a Mom of 7 children ages 11 & under, AND an ever-furvent desire not to be that "Fat mom" - this subject is close to my heart.

I could relate so much to your post, except that for me, at the one year mark, I would always be pregnant again. And here we go again...another 50 pound weight gain but since I still had about 10 pounds to go since the previous baby, bleh. You do the math!

I am 5'2" and I remember stepping on the scale just before having my 4th baby and I weighed in at 202. My marriage weight was about 125.

Like you, I finally got fed up with it and decided I hated it. I hated how I felt such dread when I got pregnant - isn't it supposed to be a happy thing? Yet I knew what I faced for at least the next 15-18 months...misery.

With baby #6, I did not work out, but I changed my diet drastically (I'd actually changed it a few months before getting pregnant) - I cut out 90% of sugar, processed food, meat, and dairy. Almost everything I ate was plant based, and most of it was fresh - lots of veggies & fruits.

WOW. AMAZING. I am telling you, so completely different, I barely even felt like I was pregnant! I gained 22 lbs and lost most of it within 4 weeks. So crazy. Baby #7 I did the same thing, and now here I am pregnant with baby #8. You can see the pictures that show the drastic difference on my blog. Just go to my profile and click on 7blessingsfromabove, and on the right hand side are the comparison pictures. I'm also detailing my current pregnancy in a separate blog too.

My goal THIS time is to workout + eat healthy, if I can just get over this darn morning sickness. Wish me luck! =)

Congratulations on your weight loss. You look great!!! I'm in my 30's now and I notice that it’s getting harder to stay in shape. However, last year I ran my first 1/2 marathon and it felt amazing. You should try it. Good luck.

EEEWWWW.....I hated my post baby body. Nobody prepares you for the after. I felt the same way. I definitely agree that the cardio is key in the beginning. I found that my abs didn't really start to look tone until abut 7 months after (I think they need longer to recover). We are getting ready to start working on baby #2 (H is 18 months) and I am hoping to get my body back again after the second go round!!! Love the blog!!! You look great!!!

I really enjoyed this post! I totally agree it took more time than I thought to lose the weight! My body still is not the same, I have lost the weight but my abs are not back to normal and I wonder if they ever will. I swear by Tracy Anderson's workouts. I just started her Metamorphasis DVDs and in 10 days I lost one inch off my hips. My hips and tummy are my trouble spots! But girl you look amazing in that bikini!! Relax and enjoy your body!! xoxo

You look wonderful! I loved your story. I am currently 31 weeks pregnant and although I do not feel horrible, I do wonder what will happen to my body after. You did it the healthy and smart way, great job!

Yowsa! Do I really even need to comment here? :) I loved this post and your honesty and I totally feel the same way. I was just looking at my prego pics the other day and realized how BIG my nose got! Like it spread! Did yours do that? Gross. I cannot gain 55lbs again with the next one. I ate cheesecake every day. Mmmmm. :)

Long time no talk! I truly appreciate your post today. I have lost zero of my pregnancy weight at this point. I had lost 20 by my 6 week check...but its all back. I am at the point where I have no idea what to do with myself and I've given up. I'm headed to the Dr. next week for suggestion.

You are a beautiful girl and look amazing in all of your pictures. What a truthful, spoken from the heart post. Thank you for being so honest and putting out there what is difficult for many of us to talk about. I had an easy 1st pregnancy and felt great the whole time, however, I gained a lot of weight and felt horrible during my 2nd pregnancy. I lost the baby weight by getting active again, eating well, and running after 2 little ones ;) BTW - I have the same jogging stroller but in a double and I love it AND your arms look amaaaazing!!!

My first pregnancy I gained 48lbs because I ate terrible and sat in a chair all day long at my job. My 2nd pregnancy I was a stay home mom chasing a 3 year old around, I only gained 24lbs that time and I didn't eat all that healthy but I didn't eat so much. Your second time around will be totally different so don't worry about it when the time comes. :) You look fabulous!

Thanks for sharing that honest post, perfect timing.I felt like I was reading about myself and the pressures I've put on myself to get my pre baby body back. I just had my kiddo on Friday (yikes!) and although a lot of weight is gone I can tell it's going to be an uphill battle from here :) Thanks Meghan!

You look freakin' fantastic! Thank you for sharing this post. It is nice to see how someone actually loses the baby weight, instead of just saying "oh, it just fell off". I still have about 10 pounds to go. This post is great motivation.

You look great! I've been there and done that 3 times! I have now just finally after 3 pregnancies gotten down to my pre-baby weight. My oldest will be 8 next month, my middle will be 6 and my youngest is 3. I was holding on to those last 5 pounds FOREVER! But, the pounds finally came off...took a while, but it happened. :)

Thank you for sharing this, and being so brave to show photos of yourself! My son is almost 10 months, and I have about 5lbs to get back to my pre-pregnancy weight (but another 5 beyond that to get to where i'd really like to be). I'm also 5'1", and didn't work out during pregnancy due to exhaustion. I gained about 35lbs and thought I ate pretty decently during pregnancy but ate full-calorie things instead of lite, and now it's really hard to go back to the lite foods! I didn't expect all the sag - relatively it's not bad, but I really miss my abs!

I still have a looong way to go, my last baby is now 2. I am finally ready to lost weight, so less then a month ago I bought the Arbonne 30 Day Feeling fit kit along with their 7-day body Cleanse Detox. I LOVE it!!! It's been almost 4 weeks and I have lost 11 lbs and more importantly by "baby belly" bloat had decreased dramatically! I feel so wonderful. I think the detox at the beginning helps jumpstart the weight loss and made me feel healthier, i highly recommend it!!!

You look HOTT mama! Let me know if you ever want a running buddy & I'm serious about Define. It is an awesome work-out. I didn't worry too much about working out hile I was pregnant, I subscribed to the 9 months on, 9 months off philosophy!

I can't believe you have abs like that after a weight gain of 55lbs! I gained the same with my first (and started off 100lbs at 5'1) and my abs are no where to be seen. I'm down to 105lbs now and even still - no abs!

WOW!What a great post...loved this so much! Our pregnancies were incredibly similar! I gained 60lbs with my first! Lost it all by walking around NYC with the stroller, and really watching what I ate (Jenny Craig for the first two months) With number 2 and 3 pregnancies I gained 50lbs both times...but now that my third is almost 5 (this month) I really have 12 lbs left over that I desperately need to lose, as I get older its getting harder and harder, but this is so motivational..so thanks for that!:) You look beautiful!xx

Hey stranger! :) Just stopping by to check in and get my read on... I love your candidness (is that a word?) in this post. A woman's weight is no easy topic and you just put it out there, girl. So refreshing. And you are in good company. It's the reality of having babies... it doesn't just fall off for everyone. I am only 6 weeks away from this little girl's big debut and I am already thinking about shedding these pounds. Eek. Anyways, just wanted to say hi.

Megan, good for you about being so honest in this post. I remember how shocked I was when I came home from the hospital w/ my first and looked in the mirror at myself. Yikes! Nobody tells you that stuff when you're pregnant.

great post and so true, I think people don't really tell you the "truth" of being pregnant and then you feel like you are the only person living with 10 extra lbs or what not. I gained 30 with the 1st and lost it quickly, the second I gained 50+ and felt miserable. Now pregnant with the third I am determined to be more like the 1st, I am still working out and while I still crave the icky food at least I am not craving it all the time and I am still working out (not something I did with the first two). I am hoping it will help post-pregnancy to get back into shape :) You look awesome by the way - even if still 5 lbs over your goal! :)

I just stumbled on your blog and I love it! I can totally relate to the baby weight issue! My son just turned 1 and I am still struggling with those last 5 pounds! I thought it would come off so much faster than it really did! You look great! I look forward to following your cute blog!

Thank you for posting this!!!! I'm struggling with the last 7 pounds of baby weight (total gained 34) and my daughter is turning 1 on the 23rd. EEK! And to make matters worse before we got pregnant, I put on about 5 pounds stressing about getting pregnant. You're an inspiration to me! You look amazing!!!

Thanks so much for sharing this.. I'm currently only 9 weeks pregnant and while I'm actually DOWN two pounds (pre-preg I was 120, 5 foot 3) my stomach already looks pregnant! My pants are almost always undone for comfort and while yes, my boobs are great being huge... I'm so worried that I'll gain 45-50lbs like my Mother did. She never really lost it and to this day complains that she'll never be back pre-baby!

I know that no matter what I lose, if I have the dedication and give it enough time I will make it back to a place where I feel confident and happy... but I feel like everyone expects me to be so happy and glowing and embracing me 'new body' that is coming along and really I'm freaking out about it! Especially when everyone told me "You're so tiny, you wont start to show until like 4 months" and I already feel like I look pregnant! Boo hoo :(

Hi! I just recently started reading your blog (LOVE IT!), and came across this post today. My baby boy just turned 4 months old, and finding this post was exactly what I needed! I have to be a little more patient with myself - and my post-baby body! :-)

just saw this older post and devoured the whole thing! the whole weight gain/loss thing with pregnancy infatuates me and your story was so interesting! it's so good to know that you really can get your body back! you look so fabulous...i am IMPRESSED! good things really do take time!

Wow! Thank you for sharing your story. I've got 7-8 more weeks until baby is here and I keep wondering how I'm gonna do it. I'm scared my tummy will never go back to its original state. One thing that's actually saved me is having gestational diabetes. I'm eating low-cal, low-fat meals and am losing weight in a safe way (never started out huge to begin with, maybe a size 10-12 pant). I need to jump on to an exercise program once baby is here so I can really start to lose. Thanks again for the inspiration!

Congratulations on your little boy and losing the baby weight! I am a mom of two boys and was about the same weight as you when I got pregnant. I also gained 50 pounds or more with each pregnancy and I know first hand that it takes alot of discipline to get back to your original weight. You did a great job. After having my children I have completed a 1/2 marathon and my first triathlon so I know it is possible to have a family and be in shape at the same time. You should be very proud of your accomplishment.

Thanks for posting your experience. My baby is now 9 months and I'm about 12 lbs away from my pre pregnancy weight. Man it is harder than I thought. Its soo hard to find time. Because when I get a chance to work out all I want to do is rest. Its been a roller coaster ride but I will keep trucking on. Thanks

thank you for your story. I am the same height as you and my weight is equal to the weight you mentioned you were at your biggest. the only difference is I'm not pregnant. I'm a regular reader of your blog, please continue to share your weight loss/maintaining story. I'd love to hear the encouragement. I've always struggled up and down with my weight. I was active in dance, gymnastics and softball growing up and even into college so I never had to worry about my weight. I started packing on the pounds a few years ago when I starting working at a desk job 40 hrs a week. a few years back I lost 15 lbs (when I was single) met my boyfriend and we both gained weight and then some. now I"m struggling with the motivation to get it off. I just feel so overwhelmed at losing just 30 lbs. (my goal weight is around 130 for now.) Not sure where i'm going with this but wanted to share my struggles.

Just echoing all of the other great comments! Thanks for writing such an encouraging post, I don't have any children yet but as with the other ladies entering into the 30's I have noticed weight creeping up and am really excited about getting to a great weight and toned shape pre-pregnancy in hopes that post-pregnancy loss will be successful

Thank you SO much for this. I'm also 5'1" & started my pregnancy at 101 lbs. I'm currently 26+ weeks & up about 17 lbs. Your honesty makes me feel so much better & more prepared for what is to come. I can't thank you enough!

Megan, I thoroughly enjoy your blog for so many reasons, but this post is in my opinion one of your best! I can appreciate how hard it must have been to write ... and I think the level of honesty and openness is what makes it so wonderful!

I am a 30 year old mother of two year old twins. Between doctor restrictions on my activity at the very beginning of my pregnancy, home bed rest and then hospitalized bed rest towards the end, and a whole long list of other complications, I too gained 50 pounds. I have battled with weight loss since my kids were born and between my children being born premature and spending 5 weeks in the NICU, the chaos of having twins, a move across country and away from friends and family, and quite a few other challenges over the last two plus years, it has been a very difficult battle with a lot of ups and downs. Thank you so much for sharing how far you have come, it's important to celebrate what we have accomplished so we can keep working towards our end goal! I have 15 lbs left to reach my goal, and I have the exercise part down its the food that I really struggle with. Thank you so much for the motivation! You look AMAZING!!! It's been about a year since you wrote this post ... how are you doing on maintaining? Any secrets/tips/advice you can share? Thanks again! -Amy

Amy- thank you so very much for your sweet comment! You've been through so much in the last couple of years. I'm really proud of you for just keeping it together! Those last 15 pounds are tough, but the food part will make all the difference. I need to write a post about how I've maintained it. I have lost a little more weight, but haven't been working out as much as I'd like. With summer around the corner, I really want a little more definition. I will plan to put together a post in the near future. I need to get someone to take a recent pic so I can show you how I'm doing. Thanks again for reading and writing! - Megan

This is so funny, I feel like you have written a detailed account about my own pregnancy- right down to the 55 pounds! I've heard stories of people who only craved fresh fruits and veggies and I could only hope maybe this will happen to me the next pregnancy. However, I do vow to continue to go to the gym regularly, even if I just have to ride the recumbent bike. You look great and good luck with the next go 'round!!

Thanks for sharing! My son is 8 weeks old and I have had such a hard time with "embracing" my new mommy bod. I started out my pregnancy in probably the best shape of my life and gained 35 pounds. I lost the initial 14 really quickly, but have lost 2 lbs since then, even with being given the green light for exercise! I have been eating right as well.. So frustrating to hear about these women that seem to lose it all breastfeeding!! (which I am doing- also no help of course!) Glad to hear I'm not the only one that is taking awhile...

I leave a response whenever I especially enjoy a post on a blog or if I have something to contribute to the conversation. Usually it's a result of the passion displayed in the article I browsed. And on this article "Losing the Baby Weight". I was actually excited enough to drop a thought ;-) I actually do have a couple of questions for you if it's okay. Is it simply me or does it seem like some of these responses come across as if they are written by brain dead people? :-P And, if you are posting at other sites, I would like to keep up with you. Could you list all of all your community sites like your twitter feed, Facebook page or linkedin profile?Also visit my page - How to lose weight fast is here

Hey Megan, love love your blog, I too read the same book during my first pregnancy. I wasn't in the best shape when I got pregnant, I'm also 5'2 and was about 140 when I got pregnant,(gained 50lbs) waited the 3or 6wks to start working out again, can't remember what the doc told me. I hated being pregnant, had morning sickness durning the first trimester, no energy at all, and didn't workout at all!!! I did breast feed and started walking about 3 miles with my daughter every morning and would sometimes walk at night too, it took me about a year to loose all my baby weight and then some. Now fast forward 3 years, I've had another baby girl and even though I need to work on gaining muscle, I'm the smallest I've ever been in my life!!!! Even smaller than I was in high school which I think is pretty awesome. What do you do for gaining muscle, I think I do need to eat more though, I really just eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with maybe a snack in between lunch and dinner. Can't wait to start following your blog!!!

Thank you SO much for posting your story!! I SO appreciate your honesty and insight! I have about 10 days left of pregnancy and have gained more weight than I was "hoping" to gain. My hands, feet and face are very swollen and I have retained so much water that my husband can rub my ankles and make dents that will last almost half an hour! I'm so looking forward to getting back in shape and feeling, as you out it, "like myself again." Thank you so much for sharing your story! :)

Thankyou for sharing your story. It makes me feel so much better to know that it takes a while for other people besides me. I lost a bunch of weight right after giving birth but then it just stopped. I have been working out alot and I do have to admit that my eating habits aren't always great, but each day I start new. It's about 7 mths after having my baby and I am slowly but surely losing weight. Thanks again

Thank you for writing your story! It really helped me. I have been so down on myself about the weight! My son is 7 months old and I thought I would have it all off by now!!! I WAS WRONG!! I really appreciate your honesty and I am ready to keep going!! I will be back to "normal" again! :)

I had my son 4 months ago and would get pregnant right away if my husband would let me! I had a wonderful pregnancy for the most part, but definitely had days (and weeks) that I lacked the motivation to workout and eat right. My suggestion would be to do something, no matter how small, each and every day. I found that the gym helped me on the days I didn't feel so well. I was sick in the beginning, but made sure to at least do a low level pilates or yoga at home if I didn't feel well enough to go to the gym. I chose a lot of not so good for me foods also, but forced myself to continue eating fruits and veggies. If I had a craving i didn't give in right away, I waited and if in 2 or 3 days all I could think about was what I was craving, I gave in. I understand that not everyone can do that, but it is worth a shot!Like you, I don't think my body will be what it was before due to hips, but it can be close and I am finding a way to be happy with my new shape. Happily, I have only 5 more pounds to lose, and you are helping me find the motivation to keep going! Thank you for your story and good luck on the next pregnancy!

wow! thank you for posting this! how inspiring! i think our pre, during, and post baby weights are VERY similar. my son will be 7 months on 8/14 and I'm still 25lbs overweight. i get so discouraged seeing people to with new borns who look THIN already!! and all those people that told me nursing would make the weight 'fall off'ha!! now I'm slowly and steadily making some new routines and hoping this weight will be off by November!!!

I can totally relate to your experience. During my first pregnancy, I gained more weight than I ever thought I would. By my daufhter's first birthday I had all the weight off and it felt great. I'm pregnant with baby number two now and can say like you, I'm not one of those women who love being pregnant. It's so hard to feel the lack of control in how your body is changing. I'm working out at least three times a week and doing my best to eat healthy but I'm still seeing the weight gain and it's not fun. Thanks for sharing your experience.

What a great story!! You look fantastic! And I know how you feel, being 5'2 and used to being 105lbs, lol. I struggled with my weight between the 2 kiddos I had but I'm FINALLY at a place where I'm happy with my body and I'm finally back to 105! It took a lot of work and a lot of time (let's face it...I generally suck at eating healthy) but I'm here and still kicking it :) You should go check out my blog :) http://livinghealthy-er.blogspot.com/

What a great story... and I'm glad for your achievements, you did a really great job! Personally, I will give birth in December and I will want to lose all of my extra pounds gained during my pregnancy. So, probably, I will start a Toronto weight loss program. I'm sure that I will achieve my goal, but until then I can't wait to have my little angel in my arms! <3

I came across your story on Pinterest. Thanks so much for sharing!! I had a baby in October and I thought since I was breastfeeding the weight was just supposed to fall off lol. Some of it has, like you said but I still have some stubborn pounds sticking around. Makes me feel good to know somebody else went through the same thing.

Congratulations on your new baby! It took me close to a year to feel really comfortable in my skin again. My son is almost 4 now! I have a health and fitness blog too if you want to check it out. www.honeywerehealthy.blogspot.com

You look great! Did you struggle with diastisis at all ? I have a 2.5 finger separation and am worried that even when i reach my goal weight(10lbs to go) my tummy will sag. Were you limited on the workouts you did? Thanks!

Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment, I read every one! I try to answer questions in the comment section since many readers are "no reply" and so everyone can benefit from the response- so please check back. :)